A NGK, world's largest manufacturer and specialist in spark plugs, found, in different regions of the country, the presence of iron oxide accumulated in the spark plugs. After analyzing the material, it was confirmed that the source of the reddish contaminant was the fuel. Or material, when deposited in spark plugs, causes the misfire and, consequently, the loss of vehicle power. Iron oxide can also accumulate in oxygen sensors and catalyst, also generating failures in these items. Iron is not one of the components of gasoline produced in Brazil, therefore, its presence in the fuel may have occurred due to a contamination process or with the use of an unapproved additive (the product is known to increase fuel octane). This contaminant has been previously verified by NGK Japan, in countries like China and Russia. NGK already has research on the effects of this product on candles and found that in many cases, after a short time of starting to use the fuel or additive containing iron oxide, the spark plugs already had an accumulation of residues causing starting difficulties, malfunctions at medium and high revs, in addition to an increase in the level of pollutant emissions and a considerable increase in fuel consumption. During visual analysis of the ignition tip of the spark plugs, signs of current leakage were detected (flash over). Being an electrical conductor, the presence of iron at the tip of the spark plug causes loss of insulation, reducing fuel burning efficiency. As this contaminant has a high melting point, not even the engine operation is able to promote self-cleaning of the spark plugs.. The presence of this component in gasoline was confirmed by the analysis contracted by NGK with the Technological Center for Quality Control, the Falcon Bauer. NGK do Brasil has already verified, through information in your SAC, effects of the ferrous contaminant in vehicles used in several states of the country, like São Paulo, Paraná, Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais. Through a visual inspection, it is possible to identify the accumulation of contaminant in the candles and, in this situation, NGK recommends immediate replacement of spark plug set and verification of oxygen sensor and catalyst, which can also be affected. It is also necessary to pay attention to the fuel present in the tank, which may still contain the component. The result of this analysis reinforces the use of spark plugs as a means of diagnosing failures and loss of vehicle engine performance.
Download
